Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Solved my own RFI problem

  1. #1
    Orca Whisperer
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    22,593

    Solved my own RFI problem

    So, turns out, my keyboard doesn't like RF nearby, so I looked around, and I sent an email to ARRL tis to see if they have any ideas for new keyboards (MFJ-551 is a PS2 only). They suggested a common mode choke.

    So, I made an "ugly balun" from the keyboard cable, with 10 turns and some tape. All set for up to 40W out :)
    Big Giant Meteor 2020 - We need to make Earth Great Again

    http://www.coreyreichle.com

  2. #2
    Whacker Knot WØTKX's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Lakewood, CO
    Posts
    26,759
    Well, I might be able to hear you, even on SSB. :stickpoke:
    "Where would we be without the agitators of the world to attach the electrodes
    of knowledge to the nipples of ignorance?" ~ Professor "Dick" Soloman



  3. #3
    Orca Whisperer
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    22,593
    Quote Originally Posted by WØTKX View Post
    Well, I might be able to hear you, even on SSB. :stickpoke:
    I think I'd have no issue up to 100W, but at 40W my keyboard starts either doubling keys or certain keys not working. It's the only issue I'm seeing. I think there's no problem with the station setup right now, as I don't get things like noise over speakers, GFCI outlets tripping, etc etc. Just the keyboard connected to the computer right next to the radio.
    Big Giant Meteor 2020 - We need to make Earth Great Again

    http://www.coreyreichle.com

  4. #4
    'Grumpy old bastid' kb2vxa's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Lakewood, NJ
    Posts
    13,081
    If you run more than 40W for digital modes 100% duty cycle will fry your output module so you're good to go. Besides, if you need more power there's something wrong with your station, station. (;->)
    "The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you."
    Neil deGrasse Tyson

    73 de Warren KB2VXA
    Station powered by atomic energy, operator powered by natural gas.

  5. #5
    La Rata Del Desierto K7SGJ's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    The Desert
    Posts
    16,791
    Quote Originally Posted by KC2UGV View Post
    I think I'd have no issue up to 100W, but at 40W my keyboard starts either doubling keys or certain keys not working. It's the only issue I'm seeing. I think there's no problem with the station setup right now, as I don't get things like noise over speakers, GFCI outlets tripping, etc etc. Just the keyboard connected to the computer right next to the radio.
    You may want to try a couple of those split ferrite beads that you put around the keyboard cable and either snap together, or tywrap together. I'd put one at each end of the keyboard cable. You may be able to find a couple on an old modem telco cable.
    A clear conscience is usually a sign of a bad memory

    RIP ALBI-W3MIV RIP RUSS-W5RB RIP BOB-VK3ZL





  6. #6
    Orca Whisperer
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    22,593
    Quote Originally Posted by K7SGJ View Post
    You may want to try a couple of those split ferrite beads that you put around the keyboard cable and either snap together, or tywrap together. I'd put one at each end of the keyboard cable. You may be able to find a couple on an old modem telco cable.
    That's my thought, going to grab a couple from Rat Shack, and try them out (I don't think I have any laying around right now).
    Big Giant Meteor 2020 - We need to make Earth Great Again

    http://www.coreyreichle.com

  7. #7
    Orca Whisperer PA5COR's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    12,226
    Round Ferrite bar from an old AM radio, ideally to wind microphone cords around and working great reducing RF too...
    "If the Republicans will stop telling lies about the Democrats, we will stop
    telling the truth about them." - Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965)
    “I’m not liberal/conservative, I’m anti-idiotarian.”
    At some point in the last 20 years, the left moved to the center, and the right moved into a mental institution

  8. #8
    Orca Whisperer
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Buffalo, NY
    Posts
    22,593
    Quote Originally Posted by PA5COR View Post
    Round Ferrite bar from an old AM radio, ideally to wind microphone cords around and working great reducing RF too...
    ... and I think I've got a couple of those somewheres...
    Big Giant Meteor 2020 - We need to make Earth Great Again

    http://www.coreyreichle.com

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •